Slope of Hope Blog Posts

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The following Monthly chart of the Financial Sector (XLF) shows that it has been on a strong rally since mid-2017. It’s approaching major resistance around the 30.00-31.00 level (prior all-time high and double Fibonacci retracement levels).

Perhaps my favorite (albeit slow-moving) analog of all time is the financials sector (symbol XLF). In spite of a market that is generally still quite strong, the financials are starting to stall and sputter. Here’s what’s been happening recently:

With the Nasdaq continuing higher this past week, it has now reached our minimum target we were looking for before a pullback may be seen. But, I think the XLF may be providing us with certain clues about how 2018 may turn out. And, it may not be as rosy as many believe. Well, at least the first half of the year.

Anecdotal and other sentiment indications

Interest rates are rising. Tax obligations will likely be dropping. And, many believe this could be a wonderful environment for our banks to thrive. In fact, I am seeing many Wall Street analysts picking the banking sector as one of their favorites for 2018. Well, I certainly cannot concur, based upon what I am seeing in my charts, which provide insight into market sentiment.

As markets move higher and higher, for some reason, people turn more and more bullish. I mean, the drive that most consumers have to find the best price for the goods and services they desire is conspicuously absent from the greater investor community. (more…)

Financials on Monday responded positively, as expected, to the prospect of tax reform legislation, with names like Bank of America Corporation (BAC), Citigroup Inc. (C) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) all gapping up on the open, following by higher closes of between 2 and 3.5 percent.

The Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) surged 1.5% to close at 28.00, after gaining nearly 5% last week.

Financials on Monday responded positively, as expected, to the prospect of tax reform legislation, with names like Bank of America Corporation (BAC), Citigroup Inc. (C) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) all gapping up on the open, following by higher closes of between 2 and 3.5 percent.

The Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) surged 1.5% to close at 28.00, after gaining nearly 5% last week.

Good morning, everyone – – just a quick chart to start the day: Credicorp has a very long pattern, and its resistance line goes back for years. We’ve got close to it recently, and we’re starting to tumble away. i think this has a great risk/reward ratio.